Acute liver failure is rarer than chronic liver failure, which takes longer to develop.
Acute liver failure, sometimes called fulminant hepatic failure, can lead to significant complications such as excessive bleeding and increased head pressure. It's a medical emergency that necessitates admission to the hospital.
Acute liver failure can occasionally be treated and reversed, depending on the reason. However, in many cases, a liver transplant may be the only option.
CAUSES
Acute liver failure occurs when the liver cells are severely damaged and no longer function. The following are some of the possible causes:
1.Overdosage of acetaminophen. The most prevalent cause of acute liver failure in the United States is taking too much acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Acute liver failure can result from a single big dose of acetaminophen or from taking higher-than-recommended amounts on a daily basis for several days.
If you feel that you or someone you know has taken an excessive amount of acetaminophen, seek medical help as soon as possible. Do not wait for symptoms of liver failure to appear.
2.Medications on prescription. Antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, and anticonvulsants are among the medications that might induce acute liver failure.
3.Herbal supplements are another option. Acute liver failure has been associated to herbal medications and supplements such as kava, ephedra, skullcap, and pennyroyal has been linked to acute liver failure.
4.Viruses such as hepatitis and others. Acute liver failure is a complication of hepatitis A, B, and E. Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus are among the viruses that can cause acute liver failure.
5.Toxins. The toxic wild fungus Amanita phalloides, which is commonly mistaken for edible species, contains toxins that can induce abrupt liver failure.
6.Autoimmune illness is a type of autoimmune disease. Autoimmune hepatitis, a disorder in which your immune system destroys liver cells, producing inflammation and injury, can lead to liver failure.
7.Diseases affecting the veins of the liver are number seven. Budd-Chiari syndrome, for example, can cause blockages in the veins of the liver, resulting in acute liver failure.
8.Metabolic disease is a condition that affects the body's metabolism. Acute liver failure is a rare complication of rare metabolic illnesses including Wilson's disease and acute fatty liver of pregnancy.
9.Cancer. The failure of your liver might be caused by cancer that starts in or spreads to your liver.
The reason of many occurrences of acute liver failure is unknown.